Project information

Reforestation in the Tropical Andes, Peru

The Tropical Andes Biodiversity Hotspot is the most biologically diverse region on Earth with some 15,000 endemic plant & 75 endemic mammal species, one of them the Critically Endangered yellow tailed woolly monkey. With the help of local people we are creating protected & reforestation buffer zones

Charity information: Neotropical Primate Conservation

Need

The Tropical Andes Biodiversity Hotspot is one of the most threatened ecosystems in the world due to rapid human population growth and high levels of deforestation. Less than 25% of this hotspot’s original area is still available habitat for wildlife. The human populations in La Esperanza and neighbouring communities suffer from severe poverty. Environmental problems include localised climate changes, impoverishment of soils, landslides & growing scarcity of natural resources like wood & water.

Solution

Reforestation themes include enrichment planting of selectively logged forests with hardwood trees and the creation of multiple use forest buffer zones. Also, enrichment of pastures with legumes and other plants to improve lands, attract wildlife and reduce the need for clear cutting of new pastures by increasing the lifespan of existing pastures. NPC also raises public awareness on the importance of reforestation with native species, as opposed to using exotic trees, by giving special talks.

What success will look like

Impact

The project will support resources for local communities, improve habitat and help to preserve numbers of fauna and flora. We will continue scientific research in these areas and publish results. Every year we welcome several phd researchers to help collect vital research data for conservation. Many of these go onto publish papers on this research.

Risk

Lack of funds. Community disapproval/lack of confidence. We carry out small fundraising projects. The founders of the organisation live within the main community, have a strong community presence and carry out consistent talks in the surrounding areas.

Location

The Tropical Andes Biodiversity Hotspot is the most biologically diverse region on Earth with about 15,000 endemic plant and 75 endemic mammal species, one of them is the Critically Endangered yellow tailed woolly monkey. It is also one of the most threatened ecosystems in the world due to rapid human population growth and high levels of deforestation. Less than 25% of this hotspot’s original area is still available habitat for wildlife.

Beneficiaries

The local communities, flora and fauna, our supporters (in knowing that they are contributing to the survival of species)

Why Us?

We are proud to be a small charity able to operate with limited resources but with a lot of commitment to the cause. We run dozens of low cost projects which have already proven successful and we use our experiences to globally promote efficient conservation.